More Sleep Could Help Improve Romantic Relationships

1/22/2013 3:26 PM ET

Getting more sleep could have a positive impact on romantic relationships, says a new study from researchers at UC Berkeley. For the study the research teams gathered data from sixty couples ranging between 18 to 56 years of age.

For the study each couple first kept a journal about their sleeping habits and how they felt sleep affects their relationship. They then engaged in a series of problem solving tasks that were videotaped.

According to lead researcher Amie Gordon, both activities showed that those who slept poorly were more likely to leave their partners feeling unappreciated:

"Poor sleep may make us more selfish as we prioritize our own needs over our partner's," said Gordon. "Make sure to say 'thanks' when your partner does something nice. Let them know you appreciate them."

The findings will be presented on January 19 at the annual meeting of Society for Personality and Social Psychologists in New Orleans.